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University apologises to Bristol students after ‘significant error’ affects online teaching

The IT Service and Digital Education Office at Bristol University have issued an email apology following disruption to the Blackboard system on the first day of term.

By Emilie Robinson, Digital News Editor

The IT Service and Digital Education Office at Bristol University have issued an email apology following disruption to the Blackboard system on the first day of term.

The disruption took place between 1.45pm and 2.45pm on 5 October.

Teaching is currently being delivered online to students through the Blackboard service as part of the University's 'blended learning' approach, which is designed to minimise risks to students and staff from Covid-19.

Trouble with Re/Play affected some students' access to Blackboard and tools like Collaborate.

In an email to students, Pete Walker, Head of Support and Hilary Griffiths, Head of Digital Education said: ‘we realise that this could not have happened at a worse time, and caused considerable disruption and stress, for which we are deeply sorry.’

Although the Blackboard service was available again from 2.45pm yesterday, the email added ‘the Re/Play service remained affected, with some links not working until this morning. Recording of teaching was not affected.

‘At 11.30 this morning the outstanding issue with Re/Play was resolved and all services are now working normally.’

A second apology for the inconvenience caused to students, as they adapt to online teaching in light of COVID-19, closed the email.

Featured Image: Unsplash


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